Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain
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ReconCraft PDF with malicious JavaScript
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DeliveryDeliver file to victim (email/download)
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ExploitVictim opens PDF in Foxit
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InstallScript writes invalid annotation attributes
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C2Internal annotation structure corrupted
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ExecuteInvalid pointer released on cleanup
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ImpactApplication crash / potential code execution
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
ASVS 5.0
V15 - Secure Coding and Architecture Pointer release safety
|
| Exploitation Conditions | Exploitation requires the victim to open an attacker-crafted PDF in Foxit PDF Reader or Foxit PDF Editor with the JavaScript engine enabled (default), where the embedded script writes annotation attributes to corrupt the annotation object's internal structure; the crash manifests on the subsequent object release. Limiting factors: the attack vector is local (AV:L) and demands user interaction (UI:R) - the file must be delivered and opened - and it depends on JavaScript actions being enabled, so disabling JavaScript or refusing to open untrusted PDFs prevents it; no authentication is needed on the target (PR:N) but the attacker gains no remote-over-network access. |
| Impact | The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, score 7.8) describes a local, low-complexity, unauthenticated flaw that requires user interaction (opening a file) and yields high impact across all three dimensions - consistent with memory corruption that could go beyond denial of service. There is a signal conflict worth flagging: the vendor's CVSS claims C:H/I:H (implying code execution / data exposure) while Foxit's own tags label this 'Denial Of Service' and the description states only that the application crashes, so the realistic outcome may be limited to a crash unless the invalid-release primitive is proven exploitable for RCE. No EPSS score, KEV listing, SSVC decision, or POC was provided, so exploitation probability cannot be quantified from the input; the requirement that a victim open a malicious PDF with JavaScript enabled meaningfully limits mass exploitation. Net: a credible client-side risk warranting prompt patching given Foxit's large install base, but not evidenced as actively exploited or widely weaponized. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker crafts a PDF containing JavaScript that writes malformed annotation attributes and emails or hosts it for download; when a victim opens the file in Foxit PDF Reader or Editor with JavaScript enabled, the corrupted annotation structure causes an invalid pointer release that crashes the application (denial of service) and could potentially be shaped into memory corruption. Because the vector is local with required user interaction (AV:L/UI:R), exploitation depends on social-engineering the target into opening the document; no public exploit code was identified at time of analysis. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Jul 08, 2026
Memory-corruption crash (and potential code execution) in Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor occurs when a PDF's embedded JavaScript writes annotation attributes without sufficient object-type and argument validation, corrupting the internal annotation structure so the application faults during subsequent object release (CWE-763). Local exploitation requires a user to open a crafted PDF; there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and the flaw is not in CISA KEV. The vendor rates full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact (CVSS 7.8), though Foxit tags it as Denial of Service.
RemediationAI
No exact fix version is provided in the input, so consult the Foxit security bulletin at https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html for the patched release and upgrade Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor to the vendor-fixed version once identified (Patch available per vendor advisory; released patched version not independently confirmed here). As a compensating control until patched, disable JavaScript execution in Foxit (Preferences > JavaScript > uncheck 'Enable JavaScript Actions'), which directly removes the attack path since the flaw is triggered by document JavaScript writing annotation attributes - the trade-off is that legitimate interactive forms and scripted document features will stop working. Additionally, enable Safe/Protected Reading Mode and instruct users not to open untrusted PDFs; where feasible, filter or sandbox inbound PDFs at the mail/web gateway. Do not rely on version numbers not present in the input.
Affected VersionsENISA
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Technical ContextAI · show details
Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor embed a JavaScript engine that lets document scripts manipulate PDF objects such as annotations (the interactive markup, form, and link objects layered over page content). The defect is an object-type and argument confusion: when script sets annotation attributes, the application fails to validate the object type or arguments, leaving a dangling or invalid reference in the annotation's internal structure. CWE-763 (Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference) is the root-cause class - during later cleanup/free of that corrupted object the engine dereferences or frees an invalid pointer, producing a crash and, depending on heap state, potential memory corruption beyond a simple abort. Affected products per CPE are cpe:2.3:a:foxit_software_inc.:foxit_pdf_reader and cpe:2.3:a:foxit_software_inc.:foxit_pdf_editor.
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Severity by source
AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Local crafted file with required user interaction (AV:L/UI:R); vendor describes a crash so availability is High, but confidentiality/integrity lowered to Low absent proven code execution.
Primary rating from Vendor (Foxit).
CVSS VectorVendor: Foxit
DescriptionCVE.org
When the application opens a PDF file and JavaScript writes annotation attributes, there is a lack of sufficient object type and argument checks. As a result, due to the damage to the internal structure of the annotations, it causes the application to crash during subsequent release.
Executive ViewAI
Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor contain a memory-corruption vulnerability enabling denial of service or code execution when users open a crafted PDF file. This affects any organization where employees receive and open PDFs from external or unverified sources, creating risk to system availability and potential data confidentiality breaches. The absence of a vendor patch requires immediate interim mitigation to reduce organizational exposure.
Disable PDF JavaScript execution in Foxit Reader and Editor settings (eliminates the exploitation method). Restrict users from opening PDFs from untrusted sources via security policy and technical controls (mail filtering, network segmentation). Deploy sandboxed or containerized PDF viewers for high-risk document workflows. Establish continuous monitoring of vendor advisory for patch availability; evaluate product replacement if patch does not materialize within 60 days.
Threat Intelligence Overview
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
Denial of Service attacks render applications or systems unavailable by overwhelming resources or triggering failure conditions.
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EUVD-2026-42205
GHSA-5mvj-c93h-4pfc
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
Vulnrichment
VulDB
Exploit-DB